Mariel Margaret Hamm, nicknamed Mia, is born in Selma, Alabama. Her father, Bill, is an Air Force fighter pilot, and her mother, Stephanie, is a former ballerina. As a result of her father's job, the Hamms move around frequently. In November 1972, the family moves to Monterey, California.

1973

In May, the Hamms move to Florence, Italy, where young Mia discovers soccer.

1975

The Hamms leave Italy and return to the United States. They live in northern Virginia for a year, then move to Texas, where they reside in Wichita Falls and San Antonio. Hamm joins her first soccer team at age 5.

1985

At 13, Hamm becomes a Texas All-State selection in women's soccer.

1987

Hamm, 15, becomes the youngest player to join the U.S. women's national team.

1988

Hamm's family moves from Wichita Falls to northern Virginia. She graduates early from Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia.

1989

A freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hamm helps win the first in a series of four NCAA championships.

1991

Hamm plays in her first Women's World Cup, scoring two goals.

1994

Hamm graduates from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor's degree in political science. She marries her college sweetheart Christiaan Corry.

1996

The U.S. women's national soccer team wins the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics.

1997

Hamm's brother Garrett, who had battled a rare blood disorder called aplastic anemia, dies from infection after a bone marrow transplant.

1999

The U.S. women's team wins the World Cup title in a final game against Denmark; Hamm scores the opening goal. She sets an international scoring record, with more career goals than any other player in the sport.

Following the death of her brother Garrett, she starts a charity to benefit bone marrow research.

2000

The U.S. women's team wins the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Norway wins the gold in overtime.

2001

The Women's United Soccer Association, the first professional soccer league for women in the United States, begins its first season with eight teams. Hamm plays forward for the Washington Freedom.